Risk Appetite: The Psychology of Investing in Breakthrough Ideas - Light Dao Salon (NYC)
Risk Appetite: The Psychology of Investing in Breakthrough Ideas
A Light Dao NYC Salon with Amsal Madhani | Investor, Venrex
What makes someone see extraordinary potential where others see risk? And how do you recognize the next breakthrough before the rest of the world catches on?
Join us for an intimate evening with Amsal Madhani, pre-seed and seed investor at Venrex, for a candid exploration of frontier technologies, founder psychology, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking.
Amsal's journey into venture capital is anything but traditional. Trained in neuroscience at Columbia University, she spent years conducting research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital before making the leap into early-stage investing.
Today, she invests across AI, frontier technology, and consumer innovation, backing ambitious founders and ideas that don't always fit the conventional venture capital playbook.
Her investment philosophy is deeply personal. As she recently shared, she takes risks on people because three people once took a risk on her - and changed her life.
In a world where AI hype and herd mentality can overshadow genuine innovation, Amsal believes the greatest opportunities often lie in seeing what others miss.
Together, we'll explore:
The psychology of exceptional founders: What neuroscience and human behavior can teach us about identifying extraordinary entrepreneurs.
Beyond the AI hype: How to distinguish genuine technological breakthroughs from compelling narratives.
The contrarian mindset: Why the most promising founders and ideas are sometimes the ones everyone else rejects.
Investing at the frontier: From robotics and space technology to AI, where the next generation of transformative innovation may emerge.
The human side of risk: Why intuition, conviction, and the willingness to believe in others matter as much as data.
We'll also hear stories from Amsal's unconventional career journey and explore how her experiences have shaped her approach to investing.
More than networking
Light Dao brings together a carefully curated community of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and conscious leaders who believe that personal growth and business success can - and should - go hand in hand.
Our NYC salons are intentionally intimate, designed to move beyond surface-level networking and foster meaningful conversations, authentic relationships, and unexpected collaborations.
The evening includes guided small-group conversations, a fireside chat with Amsal, audience Q&A, and time to connect with fellow guests
SALON AGENDA:
7:00-7:30pm - Welcome, light snacks & drinks served
7:30-7:40pm - Introductions
7:40-8:05pm - Group connection experience
8:05-8:45pm - Fireside Q&A
8:45-9:00pm - Business connect
9:00-9:30pm - Deepen connections
Members often connect for dinner or drinks after the salon.
VENUE DETAILS: The gathering is in Manhattan. The exact address will be sent to confirmed guests.
DRESS: We encourage authentic self-expression!
GUEST POLICY: We are a members only (known as Dao Owners) community. All Dao Guests must be approved and can receive one in-person gathering for free. Dao Guests are eligible to become a Dao Owner Member. Otherwise, one must become a Dao Owner to continue attending gatherings. Please note that invitations are not a guarantee for entry, and we invite you to thoroughly answer the approval questions. Friends or +1s must RSVP individually. Unapproved show-ups will not be granted entry.
JOIN US: Light Dao is a fast-growing trusted global community of over 5000 conscious investors and entrepreneurs with curated in-person and online gatherings and experiences, having hosted in 16 cities across North and South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our heartfelt mission is to bring abundance for all by expanding the collective consciousness, enlightening society, and empowering values-aligned relationships. Together, we co-create a thriving regenerative future for humanity. We are excited to welcome you to our global community! http://wearelight.one/